2014 Public Service Announcement Winners:Click on each title to view the video

Oklahoma Recycling Association (OKRA)

2014 Public Service Announcement Contest

RULES

What is the OKRA Public Service Announcement Contest?
The OKRA Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest is devoted to raising awareness about the importance of recycling in Oklahoma. The OKRA Public Service Announcement Contest gives students the opportunity to express themselves in positive manners and provide education and support to their peers through the development of original and compelling PSAs about recycling issues.

What is the theme for the Oklahoma Recycling Association Public Service Announcement Contest?
The theme is “The Amazing Race for Zero Waste.” The OKRA Public Service Announcement Contest invites students to submit ideas for public service announcements that encourage recycling in their schools and communities with emphasis on how recycling saves natural resources and energy and reduces pollution.

Who can enter?
Students in grades 9 to 12 can submit entries for consideration to the Oklahoma Recycling Association Public Service Announcement Contest.

How should the PSA be submitted for entry?
Entries must be at least 720p, but preferably 1080p, in QuickTime/MOV, WMV, MPEG or AVI format. Entries should be sent through the mail and will contain:

Two (2) legible copies of the script

Two (2) DVDs containing the audio-visual PSA

Entry Form for each participant with one name chosen as the group’s spokesperson

Completed Talent Release Form for each participant

Parent Entry Waiver if participant is under 18 years of age

Entries must be postmarked by Saturday, November 1, 2014. Send entries to:

How will PSAs be judged? Who will judge?
Entries will be judged by a panel of individuals, including professionals in the media and broadcast industry as well as the recycling industry. Refer to the judging rubric for more details.

How will the winners be announced?
Winning entries will be announced by the Oklahoma Recycling Association on America Recycles Day, Saturday, November 15, 2014. Please check the Oklahoma Recycling Association Website to view the winners. www.recycleok.org

Can participants use other people’s material?
Entries must contain all original material (including music, images, etc.). Do not submit a video that has been submitted elsewhere. Do not use trademarked, copyrighted, or otherwise branded materials, logos, products, etc. except for OKRA’s in your video.

Can I use real-life experiences?
Yes, the Oklahoma Recycling Association Public Service Announcement Contest encourages people to share their true stories. Depending on the nature of the PSA, students may be asked to submit additional waivers that give express permission to use photographs, names, and/or other pertinent material in the PSA.

What are the prizes?
Thanks to our contest sponsors, each correctly submitted entry will receive a $25 award for participation. Additional prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. The prizes are as follows:

1st place – $500.00 to the individual winner or winning group, $100.00 to the winner’s school and possible airing of the winning PSA on television stations throughout the state of Oklahoma (depending on the quality of the winning entry)

2nd place – $300.00 to the individual winner or winning group, and $50.00 to the winner’s school

3rd place – $150.00 to the individual winner or winning group, and $50.00 to the winner’s school

Will entries be returned?
No. Entries become the property of the Oklahoma Recycling Association and may be used for future promotional materials.

Does it cost anything to enter the Oklahoma Recycling Association Public Service Announcement Contest?
There is no charge for submitting an entry to the Oklahoma Recycling Association Public Service Announcement Contest.

Can I submit more than one entry?
Yes.

Can entries be disqualified?
Entries will be disqualified if they contain vulgar or inappropriate content, are not turned in with all proper paperwork, have postmarks later than the specified due date, or use copyrighted/trademarked material without written permission. Completed forms must be turned in with entries as described or the entry will be disqualified.

Can adults assist in production?
Adults may assist with production, but they are limited to only verbal guidance. Adults are allowed to be actors, but not content contributors.

How many students can work on one PSA?
There is no limit to the number of students who can work on a PSA. The PSA must be entered under one name, and there will only be one prize awarded for the winning PSA. Participants can choose to divide the prize on their own terms if applicable.

What is the deadline?
All entries must be postmarked no later than Saturday, November 1, 2014.

What does each entry need to include?
Entries should include the video, proper registration forms, waivers, compliance statements, and releases. Also, entries must include a complete script.

May it be a silent movie with a background song?
Music and sounds may be used, but they can’t be copyrighted. See the Student Release and Waiver form for complete details.